To attain financial stability, numerous people hailing from rural backgrounds migrate to cities in pursuit of better opportunities. Geeta Ojha of Mughalpura, near Gwalior, faced a similar dilemma. Determined to improve her family’s circumstances, Geeta ventured into the city, only to confront unforeseen challenges.
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City life proved to be more demanding than anticipated, and despite her relentless efforts in various jobs, Geeta struggled to make substantial progress. Faced with adversity, Geeta made the courageous decision to return to her village, recognizing that success might lie within the familiar embrace of her roots.
Geeta says, “When I left the village and came to Gwalior, I brought many dreams with me. However, the city made me understand we are not meant to be here. We were troubled, and no path was visible. That’s why returning to the village seemed better to us.”
Geeta’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when she joined the “Jai Mata Di” Self-Help Group (SHG) in Mughalpura. Through this group, she became aware of the PMFME (Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme and its potential for her business. This realization proved to be the cornerstone of her financial revival.
Geeta accomplished her dream of establishing a dairy business with the help of a subsidy loan worth Rs. 3,60,000 provided under the PMFME scheme. This financial support enabled her to start with one buffalo, and today, she runs a thriving dairy business comprising 14 buffaloes and three cows. Geeta’s monthly earnings have significantly increased, and she now earns between 40,000 to 50,000 rupees, comparable to corporate professionals’ earnings.
Geeta’s success story serves as a compelling example of how financial aid and communal backing can bring about a significant transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape of rural areas. This highlights the vital role played by Self-Help Groups in fostering entrepreneurship by providing access to credit, financial education, and market linkages.
In the MahilaMoneyXRavivarVichar impact series, we bring you captivating narratives showcasing the journeys of women entrepreneurs. These stories encapsulate a range of experiences, from challenges to triumphs. Our main goal in this collaboration is to amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs, promoting diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape and offering inspiration to fellow women.
If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money
